Hepatitis A cases linked to smoothie chain stores triple

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Health officials say the number of hepatitis A cases linked to a chain of smoothie shops has more than tripled in Virginia and spread out of state.

The Virginian-Pilot newspaper reports that 66 people are sick with the liver disease, 55 of them in Virginia. Last week, the number of people who were sick in the state was 17.

Cases tied to the Tropical Smoothie Cafe chain also have been reported in Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin. Health officials have traced the outbreak to strawberries imported from Egypt.

In Virginia, the stricken ranged in age from 14 to 68. Nearly half sought hospital care.

The World Health Organization says almost everyone fully recovers. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever and nausea.

Listen Live

Upcoming Events

On Feb 18 Ms Linda Shields an artist-member of the Tappahannock Artists’ Guild will discuss the unlikely travels of Hambleton Noel. Mr. Noel was an early Essex County resident who travelled west to the Four-Corners area of[...]

Vendors are still needed for the Northumberland High School Farm & Field Day on Saturday April 14th. 10×10 spaces are still available for only $10. for more information, call Lee Meadows at 804-580-5192.

Join Chesapeake Academy on Saturday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m. as they host Merman the Magician who amazes and delights with incredible illusions and magic which includes floating an audience member in mid air! This[...]

The Tappahannock Tides are looking for High School Seniors along with current & former college players to join the team. The season runs from June to Mid-August Players must register before April 1st. If interested,[...]

The Upper King William Branch Library will hold an Out of School Morning Movie showing on Monday February 19th from 10:30am – noon. Snacks to be provided by Friends of the Upper King William Library[...]